Aiming For Zero Mission
Our mission is to prevent veteran suicide by raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families. We achieve this by fostering camaraderie, building lasting bonds within the veteran community, fundraising, and supporting organizations which serve veterans.
OUR TCCC
In military jargon, TCCC stands for Tactical Combat Casualty Care which is a set of guidelines for trauma life support in prehospital combat medicine. They are designed to reduce preventable deaths while maintaining operational success. At Aiming for Zero we have adopted and adapted these guidelines to end Veteran Suicide.
Targeted support for Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families
Community Engagement:
At Aiming for Zero, we believe in the power of transparency and accountability. Our members actively engage with the community to raise awareness, build partnerships, and mobilize support for veterans’ mental health and well-being. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we create a network of allies dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans.
Compassion and Empathy:
Demonstrating a deep understanding of and empathy toward veterans’ struggles is at the heart of our organization. We cultivate a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and support, ensuring that every veteran feels seen, heard, and valued. By embracing these values, we create a welcoming environment where veterans and their families can find the care and assistance they need.
Commitment to Action:
Our dedication to putting an end to veteran suicide and isolation is unwavering. We embody resilience and perseverance, taking proactive steps through fundraising, education, and volunteer efforts. This commitment drives us to continually seek innovative solutions and maintain a steadfast focus on our mission to support and uplift the veteran community. By working tirelessly to address these critical issues, we aim to create a world where no veteran feels alone or forgotten.
Aiming For Zero Origin Story
In 2014, Chris Tessier, a dedicated veteran, was deeply moved during a conversation with fellow veteran Justin Fitch at a competitive shooting event. Justin shared a heartbreaking statistic: 22 veterans a day commit suicide. Chris was not only mortified by this staggering number but also felt a profound sense of urgency to act.
Determined to make a difference, Chris transformed his shock into a powerful mission. He began by creating and selling stickers at competitive shooting events to raise awareness about veteran suicide. Encouraged by the support of the competitive shooting community he embarked on an impassioned mission to serve his fellow veterans and reduce their rate of suicide to zero. The proceeds from his efforts were donated in honor of Justin Fitch to a charity he supported, which provides vital assistance to veterans and their families.
As word spread and support grew, Chris’s initiative developed into a larger movement. What started as a simple idea evolved into the Aiming For Zero organization, a dedicated nonprofit committed to preventing veteran suicide. Aiming For Zero not only raises awareness but also fosters camaraderie and builds lasting bonds within the veteran community. Through fundraising and supporting various organizations which serve veterans, Aiming For Zero works tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families, striving towards a future where no veteran feels left behind or hopeless.
Our Daily Actions
These actions help us create a strong, supportive network for veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition, appreciation, and support they deserve. Together with our volunteers and community members, we strive to build a world where veteran suicide is eliminated and every veteran feels valued and remembered.
Express Gratitude:
Every day, we take a moment to express our appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our fellow veterans, as well as the dedication of our volunteers and supporters. By acknowledging their contributions, we foster a sense of respect and honor that strengthens our community. Recognizing the efforts of all who support our mission helps build a cohesive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to continue making a positive impact.
Share Our Mission:
We continuously share the vision of Aiming for Zero, spreading awareness about our goals and the importance of veteran support. By communicating our mission, we inspire others—veterans, volunteers, and the broader community—to join our cause and contribute to a collective effort against veteran suicide. This shared commitment helps create a united front dedicated to making a difference.
Prepare for Action:
We dedicate time each day to prepare for the challenges ahead, whether it’s organizing events, planning outreach initiatives, or educating ourselves on the latest resources available. This proactive approach ensures we are always ready to support our fellow veterans effectively. By involving volunteers and community members in our preparations, we harness a wide range of skills and perspectives, enhancing our ability to respond to the needs of veterans comprehensively.